Dental assistant program available for dependants and retirees Published April 25, 2008 By Senior Airman Matthew Clouse Air Combat Command Public Affairs LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va - (ACCNS) -- The American Red Cross offers a dental assistant training program at no cost to dependents of active duty servicemembers and retirees at bases around the world. One such class is scheduled to begin here in June. During the six month course, students are assigned homework, take tests, and learn the function of dental instruments by working alongside dentists - all tasks which qualifies them to work as a dental assistant. Capt. Trevor Fraser, a Langley Air Force Base dentist, said students are taught the premises of becoming an assistant through treatment, infection control and radiology (taking x-rays). Upon completion of the course, graduates receive a certificate from the Red Cross that qualifies them to work in the civilian sector. As a timely incentive, dental assistant jobs are expected to increase by 29-percent over the next eight years according to the United States Department of Labor. The demand for dental assistants has led civilian dentists to actively seek graduates from this type of class. The 1st Dental Squadron here takes multiple calls a month from dentists inquiring about graduates, said Captain Fraser. The Red Cross dental assistant training program is not offered at every base but currently Langley Air Force Base has students going through the course, with another class starting sometime in June. Barbara McGee, a current student, said the class is enjoyable and "fascinating." During her training she gained experience in multiple dental related duties, including setting up a room and assisting dentists with fillings. The class isn't offered at every base. Contact your local American Red Cross units for details.